Child-friendly Schools in Rural Egypt

UNICEF correspondent Nina Martinek reports on the child-friendly schools initiative reaching girls in rural Egypt.

Child-friendly Schools in Rural Egypt Nina Martinerk : In Abutig, life hasn’t changed much over time. People live as a I have for generations and according to the same customs. It is still common practice for women to ask permission to leave their houses and it is forbidden for women to own land. Nearly all women over the age of 15 in this area are uneducated and spend their days at home. But the future of girls is changing. Small children-friendly schools are opening their doors and Abutig’s younger girls are eagerly flocking to them. Yusriya Al Fikry is one of them. At 13 years of age, she is just in fourth grade but she's catching up quickly and is often the first to arrive in the morning. Al-Soulieman School is a one room child-firendly elarning environment supported by UNICEF. It is designed with the objective of integrating girls like Yusriya into the education system. Yusriya: I didn’t know how to read before and I was really sad when I follow other kids going to school and I questioned why I couldn’t go with them. Nina Martinerk: The child-friendly school promotes gender equality and gives all students the opportunity to voice their thoughts and opinions. Yusriya: Education is enjoyable and all children should be able to have an education because without it, there is no life. Nina Martinerk: Yusriya plans to be a doctor. Not only is she hopeful, but she is confident and the first challenge has already been overcome, being able to go to school. This is Nina Martinerk reporting for UNICEF Television. For more information, go to unicef.org. Unite for children.